PCIFIC Esports Signs Waddle as Crypto-Influenced Sponsorships Fade

PCIFIC Esports has made a significant roster move by signing British VALORANT player Wadir 'waddle' Taraki. The 24-year-old's addition brings him on board for the organization's VCT 2026 EMEA Stage 2 campaign, which kicks off on July 15.

This is a major opportunity for Waddle, who has roughly $13,732 in career VALORANT earnings. His previous team, DNSTY, was dissolved on June 3, and PCIFIC's interest in signing him emerged as early as May 12.

PCIFIC Esports is gearing up for a competitive summer with Stage 2 running through August 30. They will face teams like Gentle Mates and FUT Esports during this period.

The signing of Waddle marks the latest development in a broader trend - the retreat of crypto and blockchain involvement in esports sponsorships. This trend has been slowly unfolding, with no notable crypto tokens or Web3 platforms associated with Waddle's signing or PCIFIC more broadly.